Follow-up check on firms that did not comply with consumer rules
On Friday, November 27, 2015, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) will conduct a follow-up check among companies that ACM contacted before because they had failed to comply with consumer regulations. After the initial check, they adjusted their practices. ACM will now check whether they still comply with the rules, reminding them that making arrangements with regulators is not without obligations. Anita Vegter, Member of the Board of ACM, explains: “Companies that do not play by the rules will be dealt with. In some cases, we impose fines, while in other cases, we opt for a fast-track approach. Consumers are helped most if problems are resolved fast and efficiently, and if no further harm is inflicted, but also if the result is lasting. That is why we are conducting this follow-up check today.”
Follow-up check on more than 40 companies
On Friday, November 27, ACM enforcement officials will be conducting a follow-up check on over 40 businesses that ACM contacted in 2014-2015 because they had violated consumer protection rules. ACM had received complaints about these businesses through its consumer information portal ConsuWijzer. These businesses subsequently adjusted their practices. In order to make sure its actions will have a lasting effect, ACM is checking whether these businesses are still complying with the rules.
The businesses that are contacted include:
- Gyms, and the way they display the rates of their membership plans (all costs must be displayed completely and clearly next to the offer)
- Businesses that send follow-up shipments of beauty and health products, and the way they present their terms and conditions (at a single glance, it must be clear that consumers are signing up for a subscription, and what costs are involved with that)
- Providers of daily and weekly newspapers, and companies that clean residential trash cans, and the terms and conditions of their subscriptions (they are not allowed to make it difficult for consumers to cancel their subscriptions).
All companies that are checked will be notified thereof once all checks have been completed. Companies that have slipped back into their old, unwelcome patterns will be imposed orders subject to periodic penalty payments and/or fines.
Fast-track approach, quick results
Sometimes, ConsuWijzer all of a sudden receives a lot of reports about a specific practice of a company. ACM then checks whether this company has violated any laws, and whether this company qualifies for a fast-track approach. With such approaches, ACM is able to solve consumer problems quickly and efficiently, and with a lasting effect. Fast-track approaches can be applied to violations that can be established and adjusted relatively easily. ACM is also able to impose fines or other sanctions. It is very crucial to ACM’s work that consumers submit indications to ConsuWijzer.